UPDATE: Chilliwack RCMP said Friday afternoon that the girl had been found safe.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Chilliwack RCMP are searching for a young girl who was reported missing on Thursday.
RCMP say she was last seen Thursday afternoon after she apparently followed her neighbour’s dogs into a wooded area and did not return.
Const. Bradley Holditch, Chilliwack RCMP media relations officer, said the dogs returned about five minutes later without the girl.
Police said officers and search and rescue personnel are conducting an air and ground search, and are asking the public to avoid the area of Chilliwack Lake Road to allow emergency responders and investigative teams to operate without interference.
“We’re urging the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency responders to investigate, to work without interference,” said Holditch.
“We can appreciate and understand the public’s concern and wanting to come out and help.”
He described the area as heavily wooded and with difficult terrain and limited cell service.
“We definitely don’t want more people lost,” he said.
